ILLINOIS STATE NEWS

(SPRINGFIELD) Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law making it illegal to use tax dollars to settle sexual harassment claims, a bipartisan effort in Springfield that came after the resurgence of the #MeToo anti-harassment movement last fall. While there have been no official records of public settlements involving Illinois lawmakers and despite media reports that several congressmen had used tax dollars to quiet complaints, the General Assembly wanted to prevent it in the future. However, complaints of sexual harassment or misconduct since last fall have led to three lawmakers either losing or quitting their positions.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Governor also signed a new state law to allow Illinois high school students to take an unlimited number of dual-credit courses and earn both high school and college credits with the ultimate goal to give students better access to higher education. While some school districts have limited the number of dual-credit classes that students may enroll in or the number of credits they may earn, the law prohibits schools from setting limits. Taking effect on January 1, 2019, the new law does require that the dual-credit courses, whether taken online or in class, be taught by instructors who meet all state requirements.

(SPRINGFIELD) The 2018 Illinois State Fair continues today in Springfield as this Monday is Senior and Scout Day on the fairgrounds when all fair visitors age 60 and older are admitted free. There will be a draft horse show today with the ITPA truck & tractor pulls tonight at 7:30 in the Fair Arena, plus it’s the Dueling Pianos on stage at the Grandstand tonight at 8:00. Tomorrow is Agriculture Day with plenty of livestock shows and the Governor’s Sale of Champions, plus more truck & tractor pulls Tuesday night at 7:30 in the Arena and on stage tomorrow night is country music artist Luke Combs with Ashley McBryde at 8:00. This Wednesday is Governor’s Day on the fairgrounds with more livestock shows, more tractor and truck pulling in the Arena and on the Grandstand stage Wednesday night it’s 311 and The Offspring with Gym Class Heroes with a 7:00 start time. The Fair continues through this Sunday, August 19. There are also plenty of daily events including special music, food, carnival rides, and other activities, plus Conservation World is open each day from 10:00 to 7:00. For more details and information on daily schedules at the State Fair, for Grandstand event tickets, parking, and more, go online at www2.illinois.gov/statefair/info.